The 2011 launch of the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP), which aims to deliver up to 80,000 new and affordable homes by 2015, has been described as 'a success' by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The NAO published their report Financial viability of the social housing sector: introducing the Affordable Homes Programme today, reviewing the programme managed by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

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The NAO praised the success of the launch of the programme to deliver 80,000 homes for £1.8bn of investment – more than 24,000 than the original estimate – as well as setting out recommendations to help implement the programme.

Deputy Chief Executive Richard Hill said: "We welcome the NAO’s assessment and recommendations on the programme, which has made an excellent start in building much-needed affordable housing.

"We have now agreed contracts with almost 90% of providers* – who have responded well to the challenge of the new Affordable Rent model – covering allocations of around £1.7bn. Work is already underway on sites across the country, and the programme is on track to deliver the government’s aspiration for 80,000 new affordable homes by 2015."

(CD)